A warm welcome to our visitors! Those of us who worship and minister in this church pray that your visit to St. Matthew’s will bring you closer to the Christ whom we love and serve, and that the Holy Spirit may fill your life with the love, joy and peace of Jesus Christ. Please fill out one of the visitor cards and visitor name tag available in the chairs in front of you so that we may identify you and welcome you. For newcomer information, call Dedee Norman at 345-8314 Ext. 229.

St. Matthew’s offers nursery care from 8:00 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. on Sundays. Nurseries for children 0-18 months are located in Huffman Hall on the parking lot side of the hallway. The nursery for children 18 months - 4 years is in the Education Building. There is also a cry room upstairs for parents with unhappy babies.

When life's challenges appear overwhelming, we encourage you to call on your St. Matthew's family for love, prayer, the support of a friend, or a meal in time of need. With loving respect and confidentiality, we offer these and many other pastoral care services to our church family. Contact the church office,

345-8314, with needs and requests. In case of emergency Fr. Joe Di Paola may be reached by calling 345-8314 x 214, 231-1206, or 771-0680.

Homebound? If you or someone you know are unable to come to church and would like Holy Communion brought to you on Sunday, please call Jim Sparks at 345-7757.

*The Flowers on the Altar are given to the Glory of God by Hink and Nancy Johnson in celebration of the birthdays of Nancy Johnson and Shirley Wooldridge.

*Jerry and Debbie Marshall want to thank each and every parish member for their love, concern, cards and prayers on the death of his daughter Debra Ann Taylor.. Memorial contributions to support her son’s college education may be made to: Brian Marshall Educational Fund c/o Jerry B. Marshall, Trustee. Bank of America, 8627 Research Blvd., Austin, TX 78758. Account # 005779334552. Routing # 111000025.

*Thanks to all parents, adults and children who helped before, during, and after Club 345’s Back to School Party. Your thoughtfulness is greatly appreciated!

*If you have a love for God and like children, please consider helping with Children’s Chapel. Contact Heather Harmon (345-8314 ext. 221) for more information or to sign up to help.

*Happy Birthday Kathy Dugat!

*Looking for fellowship? The Xplorers, a fellowship/study group focusing on issues and needs relevant to people ages 20 to 40, plans to meet after church on Sundays to have lunch, fun, and do some issues and Bible studies. Today we are having a potluck lunch in Huffman Hall following the service (look for the "Xplorers" sign in Huffman). Don't worry if you're visiting and didn't bring food; we'll have plenty!!! We finish a quick two-week study of Ruth today. Next week we'll join the parish picnic. We also have a movie night planned for Sept. 29 at 7:30 here at the church Call 339-4063 or 996-8913 for more info!

*Newcomer’s Class: Meets in B-6 at 9:30 a.m. for Newcomer’s and Visitors to meet with the Clergy.

*Jr. High Youth...How about spending the weekend at Enchanted Rock? The Jr. High youth will load up and head to "the rock" the weekend of Oct. 12-14. We only have reservations for 20 Jr. High youth, so make your reservation ASAP. Cost of the weekend -- $85. Questions? Call Eric Liles -- 345-8314, ext. 232.

*Calling the Women of St. Matthew’s: If you are going to the Texas High Tea at the ranch home of the Diocesan president Bette Crawford this afternoon and would like a ride, be in the east parking lot (Mesa Dr.) at 2:15! If you want more information see Kay Whitney after the service in the Commons.

*CURSILLISTAS - L:):)KING AHEAD: Cursillo #191, September 20-23 at Camp Allen. Judy Myers is on the waiting list for the September weekend. There is room for more at the November 8-11 weekend, interested? Plan on Closing, Sunday the 23rd at 4:00pm. There are two Ultreyas this month. The first on Monday, Sept. 24th at 7pm here at St. Matthew's to welcome Judy (if she is called to go) into the community and the second, a Convocation Ultreya on September 30th at St. Richard's in Round Rock, 6pm. Child care is always available at Ultreyas. Submitted by Dyke Miller

Swingin' with the Saints: A St. Matthew's Talent Show. Please join us Saturday, October 13, at 7:00 p.m. in Huffman Hall for a fantastic program, good fellowship, and yummy desserts.

Looking for a service opportunity within St. Matthew's, with a low commitment but a high return? Mom's ministry is looking for 2-3 people who could share their love with young children from 9:15-11:45 every Wednesday morning. You get two for one in that this service would bless both the children and the moms. If this ministry sounds right for you, please contact Suzanne Harakal at 451-0893 or Tracey Nichols at 331-0653 as soon as possible.

Church cats need a home. Lucy and Charlie are young cats that were abandoned at St. Matthew's several months ago. Both are loving and affectionate and would make wonderful pets for the right person or family. Lucy is a petite tortoiseshell, who loves being part of a family. Charlie is a large long-haired orange who gets along well with dogs, people, and cats that like him. If you have room in your heart and your household, please contact Kathy Vail (343-7367). I would keep them, but my oldest cat refuses to come home until the usurpers move out.

Thursday Night Bible Study This group meets Thursday nights at 7:30 pm in room B14. We are a small group that meets to study the Bible, join in prayer, encourage each other’s spiritual growth, and enjoy fellowship. We have a variety of social activities through out the year. We are small enough for lively group discussions, and large enough to enjoy diverse viewpoints and experiences. We would love to welcome additional participants. If you have questions please call Cyril Durrenberger at 345-2260.

Want to Know More About the Episcopal Church? The Inquirer’s Class will begin Monday, October 8. Sign up at the Welcome Table in the Commons or call Dedee Norman at 345-8314 or write dedee@stmattsaustin.org

ConneXions Dinner Groups, will begin a new six-month dinner group series tonight at 6 p.m. with a potluck dinner in Huffman Hall. To join, sign up in the Commons or call Leslie or Bill Kjellstrand, 331-2121; email: lkjellstrand@ers.state.tx.us. Plan for the potluck by bringing the following dishes according to your last name: A-H, salads; I-P, desserts; R-Z, main dishes.